The HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition is often hailed as the epitome of premium credit cards in India. With its metallic design, unlimited global lounge access, and a lucrative rewards program offering 5 reward points per ₹150 spent, it caters to affluent users seeking unparalleled travel, lifestyle, and dining privileges. However, its exclusivity and stringent eligibility criteria make it inaccessible to many. Fortunately, several high-end alternatives deliver comparable luxury benefits, travel rewards, and lifestyle perks. Here, we examine three such premium credit cards worth considering.
- HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card
Eligibility: Salaried individuals aged 21–60 with a minimum monthly income of ₹2.5 lakh, and self-employed applicants aged 21–65 with an annual income of ₹30 lakh or more.
Reward Structure:
- 5 reward points per ₹150 on retail spends.
- Up to 10X points on HDFC SmartBuy platform for travel and shopping.
- Double points on dining at standalone restaurants during weekends.
- 10% discount via Swiggy Dineout across 35,000+ restaurants.
Lounge Access: Unlimited entry to over 1,300 airports worldwide for primary and add-on cardholders.
Additional Benefits: Complimentary memberships to Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and Swiggy One upon meeting spend criteria; 6 complimentary golf games per quarter; extensive insurance coverage including air accident and overseas hospitalization.
Fees: ₹10,000 plus GST for joining and renewal (waived annually upon ₹8 lakh spend). Finance charges of approximately 23.88% per annum and 2% forex markup.
Ideal for those seeking a blend of global travel privileges and high-value lifestyle rewards.
- Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card
Eligibility: Indian residents between 18 and 70 years old; salaried with ₹12 lakh annual income or self-employed with ₹15 lakh annual income.
Reward Structure:
- 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on travel bookings (caps apply).
- 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on other eligible spends.
- EDGE Miles valued at ₹1 each; transferable to partner airline miles at a 1:2 ratio.
Lounge Access: 18 domestic and 12 international complimentary visits annually.
Additional Benefits: 25% discount on restaurant bills via EazyDiner; milestone rewards unlocked with higher spends.
Fees: Non-waivable joining and annual fee of ₹5,000 plus GST; finance charges roughly 55.55% per annum; 3.5% forex markup.
Designed for frequent travelers who prioritize travel rewards and dining benefits.
- ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
Eligibility: Invitation-only via ICICI relationship managers for select high-net-worth individuals.
Reward Structure:
- 3% reward points on utilities.
- Accelerated rewards on ICICI iShop: 18% on groceries, 12X on hotels, and 6X on flights.
- Points redeemable at ₹1 value across travel, lifestyle, and partner vouchers.
Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.
Additional Benefits: Taj Epicure Preferred Membership; EazyDiner Prime membership; unlimited golf rounds and lessons; Buy-One-Get-One-Free offers on BookMyShow; fuel surcharge waiver of 1%.
Insurance: Extensive coverage including air accident, baggage loss/delay, flight delays, and credit liability protection.
Fees: ₹12,499 plus GST for joining and renewal (waived on ₹10 lakh spend); finance charges at ~40.80% per annum.
Tailored for affluent clients seeking comprehensive lifestyle privileges bundled with luxurious experiences and protections.
Comparative Snapshot
| Feature | HDFC Infinia | HDFC Diners Club Black Metal | Axis Bank Atlas | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Invite-only | ₹2.5L/month or ₹30L/year | ₹12L–₹15L annual income | Invitation-only |
| Joining/Annual Fee | ₹12,500 + GST | ₹10,000 + GST (waived on 8L) | ₹5,000 + GST (non-waivable) | ₹12,499 + GST (waived on 10L) |
| Reward Rate | 5 RP per ₹150; up to 10X on SmartBuy | 5 RP per ₹150; up to 10X SmartBuy | 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel; 2 on others | 3% utilities; 6X–12X on iShop & travel |
| Reward Value | ₹1 per RP on flights/hotels | ₹1 per RP on travel (SmartBuy) | ₹1 per EDGE Mile (1 Mile = 2 Partner Miles) | ₹1 per point |
| Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited global access | Unlimited global access | 18 domestic & 12 international | Unlimited domestic & international |
| Dining & Lifestyle Benefits | Club Marriott, ITC Hotel offers | Amazon Prime, Swiggy One, Club Marriott | 25% off on dining via EazyDiner | EazyDiner Prime, Taj Epicure, BookMyShow BOGO |
| Golf Access | Unlimited rounds & coaching | 6 games per quarter | Not specified | Unlimited rounds & lessons |
| Insurance Cover | Air ₹3 Cr, overseas ₹50L, credit ₹9L | Air ₹2 Cr, overseas ₹50L, credit ₹9L | Basic travel insurance | Extensive travel & credit liability |
| Milestone Benefits | RP bonus at joining & renewal | RP bonuses per spend | EDGE Miles bonuses at spend thresholds | EaseMyTrip vouchers, Taj vouchers |
| Finance Charges (APR) | ~24% | ~24% | ~55% | ~41% |
Final Thoughts
While the HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition is an unmatched luxury credit companion, alternatives like HDFC Diners Club Black Metal, Axis Bank Atlas, and ICICI Emeralde Private Metal cards offer compelling features for discerning users. The choice hinges on eligibility, spending habits, and preferred benefits—be it intensified travel rewards, lifestyle privileges, or insurance protections.
Potential applicants should weigh these factors, consider annual fees and interest charges, and consult financial advisors to ensure their selection complements personal financial goals and lifestyles.
Note: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional financial advice. Prospective cardholders are advised to verify terms and eligibility criteria directly with the card issuers before applying.
